Researchers have identified "significant gaps" in the knowledge and evidence concerning the impact of vaccinating badgers in Wales against bovine tuberculosis (TB). A team from the British Ecological Society's Wales policy group, alongside staff from Cardiff and Aberystwyth universities, argue these gaps diminish the effectiveness of this disease control method.
The vaccination programme is part of a wider effort to eradicate bovine TB in Wales. The researchers' new policy briefing calls for increased monitoring of the vaccination's impact, a review of the evidence, and collaboration with farmers to maximise programme effectiveness.
Dr Niall McKeown, from Aberystwyth University, stated that while there is strong evidence BCG vaccination protects badgers, evidence that operational vaccination programmes reduce disease in cattle remains limited. He suggested any cattle-level benefit likely depends on sustained and extensive vaccination coverage combined with effective cattle controls.
The Welsh government has indicated it is "renewing" its approach to eradicating bovine TB, focusing on cattle, people, and wildlife. This work will be evidence-based and science-led, considering advice from programme and technical advisory groups, with value for money as a core consideration.